Explorer America Concept Presents Ford's Sustainable Strategy

To help explain its vehicle sustainability strategy, Ford created
the Explorer America concept for the 2008 North American International
Auto Show.

The
Ford Explorer America concept showcases a new kind of utility for the
vehicle customers have known and loved for years: even better fuel
efficiency.

"Customers are smart. They value vehicles - the more
efficient, the better," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president of
Marketing and Communications. "Ford gets it."

"Innovative
technologies can transform people's favorite vehicles. Look at SYNC,
the Ford system that connects people and their favorite portable
devices, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones,
while in their vehicles."

The Explorer America concept delivers
an approximately 20-to 30-percent fuel-economy improvement - depending
on engine selection - while providing room for six and their gear,
along with moderate towing and off-roading capabilities.

The concept aims to highlight for customers and auto show attendees a
number of innovations tied to Ford's systems approach, including:

A powertrain lineup that
includes a 4-cylinder 2-liter engine with EcoBoost technology
delivering 275 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque or, as a premium engine, a
3.5-liter V-6 delivering about 340 horsepower. Depending on engine
selection, fuel-efficiency can improve by 20 to 30 percent versus
today's V-6 Explorer

A fuel-efficient 6-speed
transmission with auto shift control, allowing the driver to select
and hold a lower gear with just the turn of a dial when conditions
warrant it

A weight reduction of 150 pounds
for the V-6 version thanks to its downsized - yet superior performing -
engine, as well as more lightweight materials, suspension and chassis
components

Fuel-saving electric power assisted
steering (EPAS) and other engine actions that deliver a fuel savings
benefit of about 5 percent. Between 80 to 90 percent of Ford, Lincoln
and Mercury vehicles will have EPAS by 2012

Aerodynamic and other parasitic improvements that add up to a 5 percent fuel economy gain

In addition to its
fuel-efficient powertrain and technologies, the Explorer America
concept addresses how the SUV market has changed in the past 15 years.

In
the 1990s, customers were drawn by SUVs aligned with people's
adventurous, more rugged lifestyles. Today's consumers are more
discerning, demanding products that are capable and flexible - but more
intelligently executed.

The Explorer America concept looks the
part, too, with a modern, muscular design language that belies its
ability to harness today's active lifestyles. Its integrated three-bar
grille, defined power dome hood, wrap-around rear glass panel window
and sliding rear door give the appearance that this concept is ready
for modern Lewis-and-Clark types to explore, from their own
neighborhoods to the trail head.

Inside, intelligent features
abound, including: single-touch stackable, sliding seats that allow for
convenient access to the second row; a work table with seats deploy
from the tailgate; and a three-dimensional compass and navigation unit
with a topographical map built right into the instrument panel.

While
this vehicle is officially considered a concept, Ford implies that the
design does indicate the future direction for SUVs in the Ford lineup.
The Ecoboost powertrain is a definite yes.